Two AFS Members appointed to the 2014 U.S. Commerce Department Regional Fishery Councils

The U.S. Commerce Department today announced the appointment of 22 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA’s Fisheries Service to manage ocean fish stocks. Established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the councils act to prepare fishery management plans for marine fish stocks in their regions. Council members represent diverse groups, including commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental organizations and academia, and they carry out the act’s requirements to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and manage them sustainably. “All of us at NOAA Fisheries are eager to start working with our new council members, and to continue the work we’ve been doing with returning members,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries. “The partnerships we have with the councils are more important than ever in order to continue the positive momentum we’ve been making with federally managed species in recent years.”

Elizabeth “Libby” M. P. Etrie of Massachusetts, has been appointed serve on an at-large seat on the New England Council, which includes members from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

John J. Henderschedt, has been reappointed to serve on the obligatory seat (state specific) for the North Pacific Council (which includes members from Alaska and Washington.)